Wireless channel allocation amongst multiple base stations

ABSTRACT

According to one configuration, a base station controller monitors use of multiple wireless channels amongst multiple wireless base stations operating in a wireless network environment. In response to detecting under allocation of wireless channels between a first wireless base station and a first group of communication devices, the base station control allocates a supplemental wireless channel to the first wireless base station. In one embodiment, the base station controller de-allocates a wireless channel from a second wireless base station and assigns the de-allocated wireless channel to the first wireless base station as the supplemental wireless channel. The base station controller then transmits a channel allocation communication to the first wireless base station, the channel allocation communication indicating an identity of the supplemental wireless channel allocated for use by the first wireless base station.

BACKGROUND

In general, and as well known, the available wireless frequency spectrumis split up into many different bands and is used for many differentpurposes.

For example, some portions of the available wireless spectrum are soldor licensed to operators of private radio transmission services (suchas, cellular telephone operators or broadcast television stations);other portions of the available wireless spectrum (non-licensed portion)are allocated for general authorized access users; yet other portions ofthe available wireless spectrum are allocated for use by the government(military).

Typically, management of the wireless frequency spectrum includesbreaking up a dedicated portion of the wireless frequency spectrum intoone or more channels. In certain instances, such as when a respectiveband supports wireless communications amongst cell phone subscribers,the channels in a dedicated band are allocated for use between awireless base station (such as a cell phone tower) and a correspondingcommunication device (such as a cell phone device) to support respectivewireless communications. Communications over multiple adjacent channelshelps to avoid interference amongst the respective channels in a band.

A newly proposed type of wireless band (such as a shared or so-calledmulti-tiered) wireless band between 3.550 MHz and 3.700 MHz band,a.k.a., Citizen Band Radio Spectrum band) is shared by multipledifferent types of entities including government users (such as themilitary), licensed users, and non-licensed users. The CBRS band is atiered radio band shared by multiple different types of users.Availability of channels in the CBRS band dynamically changes dependingon use of the spectrum by higher priority entities.

It has been proposed that non-licensed users (i.e., the generalauthorized access users) in the band are afforded lowest priority andcan be notified, at any time, to discontinue using a portion of the bandduring instances in which the band is needed for alternative purposes bya higher priority entity such as an incumbent user (government ormilitary user).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments herein include providing expanded allocation controlcapability in a network environment to support more efficient use ofavailable wireless channels.

More specifically, in one embodiment, a wireless base station controller(such as a element management system) monitors use of multiple wirelesschannels amongst multiple wireless base stations operating in a wirelessnetwork environment. Assume that the wireless network includes at leasta first wireless base station in communication with a first group ofcommunication devices and a second wireless base station incommunication with a second group of communication devices. The networkcan include any number of wireless base stations.

In one embodiment, the first wireless base station and the secondwireless base station provide partially or fully overlapping wirelesscoverage to respective communication devices. Thus, the wireless basestations potentially interfere with each other if they use the samewireless channels.

During operation and monitoring, the base station controller(occasionally, periodically, etc.) receives first feedback (such as fromthe first wireless base station); the first feedback indicatesperformance of the first wireless base station and its ability tosupport first communications with the first group of communicationdevices. The base station controller receives second feedback (such asfrom the second wireless base station); the second feedback indicatesperformance of the second wireless base station and its ability tosupport second communications with the second group of communicationdevices.

The base station controller analyzes the first feedback and the secondfeedback. Assume that based on the first feedback, the base stationcontroller identifies that the first wireless base station is currentlynot allocated a sufficient number of wireless channels to supportwireless communications between the first wireless base station and thefirst group of communication devices. Based on the second feedback, andcurrent allocation of wireless channels to the second wireless basestation, assume that the base station controller detects over allocationof wireless channels to the second wireless base station. In otherwords, the second wireless base station is assigned too many wirelesschannels given an amount of data (payload) that needs to be conveyedbetween the second wireless base station and corresponding clientdevices. In such an instance, to accommodate the first wireless basestation experiencing the congestion condition, via transmission of achannel de-allocation communication to the second wireless base station,the base station controller de-allocates a respective wireless channelcurrently assigned for use by the second wireless base station.

Note that de-allocation of the respective channel from the secondwireless base station may be contingent upon the base station controllerdetecting that a set of remaining allocated one or more wirelesschannels still assigned to the second wireless base station issufficient to support communications with a second group ofcommunication devices above a performance threshold. Thus, de-allocationof the channel from the second wireless base station may not have anyeffect on the ability of the second wireless base station to communicatewith the respective second wireless group of communication devices.

Note that, in accordance with further embodiments, de-allocation mayalso be contingent upon the base station controller detecting that noalternative wireless channels are available (free and not currently usedby any wireless base station) to allocate to the first wireless basestation.

In one embodiment, wireless channels allocated and de-allocated in thewireless network to the wireless base stations are channels from theCBRS spectrum (3.55 GHz to 3.7 GHz).

In accordance with further embodiments, the base station controller asdiscussed herein is in communication with a wireless spectrum controllerof a so-called Spectrum Access System (SAS) that manages a wirelessnetwork environment. In one embodiment, the spectrum controller is anadvanced radio spectrum coordinator configured to protect differenttiers of users in a shared, multi-tier spectrum such as the CBRS band.The spectrum controller dynamically controls (such as based on feedbackfrom one or more sources) which of the one or more channels in the CBRSband are available at any particular time for use by the wireless basestations. As a result, both the spectrum controller and the base stationcontroller provide shared use of the 150 MHz of CBRS spectrum amongstmultiple types of users.

In one instance, the spectrum controller maintains a database of allCBRS radio base stations including their corresponding tier status,geographical location, and other pertinent information. The spectrumcontroller uses the database to coordinate frequency usage and transmitpower assignments, protecting the band from potential interference. Inone embodiment, the base station controller as discussed hereincommunicates with the spectrum controller (SAS) for permission todetermine whether a respective wireless channel can be allocated forfurther use in the network environment. Assume that the spectrumcontroller provides permission to use the de-allocated channel (from thesecond wireless base station as discussed above) in a particulargeographical region in which the first wireless base station and thesecond wireless base station reside.

In furtherance of the above example, in response to detecting the underallocation (as indicated by the first feedback from the first wirelessbase station) of channels between the first wireless base station and afirst group of communication devices, the base station controllerassigns a supplemental wireless channel (such as the de-allocatedwireless channel previously allocated to the second wireless basestation) to the first wireless base station. To allocate the channel tothe first wireless base station, the base station controller transmits achannel allocation communication to the first wireless base stationindicating an identity of a supplemental wireless channel that isassigned for use by the first wireless base station to accommodate thehigh bandwidth needs of the first wireless base station.

Accordingly, a base station controller as discussed herein monitorsrespective bandwidth loads associated with each of multiple wirelessbase stations in a network environment. Based on availability ofchannels as indicated by spectrum controller (or SAS), the base stationcontroller dynamically allocates new channels orde-allocates/re-allocates channels amongst the wireless base stations toaccommodate changes in load in a multiple-tier shared spectrum.

Note that the wireless base stations can be configured to communicatewith communication devices in accordance with any suitable communicationprotocol. In one embodiment, both the first wireless base station andthe second wireless base station communicate with respectivecommunication devices via LTE (Long Term Evolution) communications. Insuch an instance, the base station controller as discussed hereinallocates channel from the CBRS band; the wireless base stations use theallocated wireless channels to communicate with corresponding one ormore mobile communication devices via a wireless protocol such as LTEcommunications.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detailbelow.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one ormore computerized devices, mobile communication devices, servers, basestations, wireless communication equipment, communication managementsystems, workstations, handheld or laptop computers, or the like tocarry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosedherein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processorscan be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein tocarry out the different embodiments as described herein.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as a computerreadable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions areencoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in acomputerized device (hardware) having a processor, program and/or causethe processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein.Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code,instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged orencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as anoptical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick,memory device, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or moreROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations canbe installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized deviceto perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, hardware, device/devices, etc., each of whichsupport one or more operations as discussed herein.

One embodiment herein includes a computer readable storage medium and/orsystem having instructions stored thereon to facilitate allocation ofwireless channels in a network environment. The instructions, whenexecuted by computer processor hardware, cause the computer processorhardware (such as base station controller) to: monitor use of multiplewireless channels by multiple wireless base stations operating in awireless network environment, the multiple wireless base stationsincluding a first wireless base station and a second wireless basestation; in response to detecting under allocation of wireless channelsbetween the first wireless base station and a first group ofcommunication devices, allocate a supplemental wireless channel to thefirst wireless base station; and transmit a channel allocationcommunication to the first wireless base station, the channel allocationcommunication indicating an identity of the supplemental wirelesschannel allocated for use by the first wireless base station.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Notethat any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed inany suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or awithin a software application.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in thefield of allocating wireless channels of a shared spectrum amongstmultiple base stations. However, it should be noted that embodimentsherein are not limited to use in such applications and that thetechniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications aswell.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein (BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presentsgeneral embodiments and corresponding points of novelty overconventional techniques. For additional details and/or possibleperspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directedto the Detailed Description section (which is a summary of embodiments)and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a base station controller andallocation/de-allocation of wireless channels to multiple base stationsaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating how an available tieredspectrum of wireless channels dynamically changes over time according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a method (flowchart) accordingto embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating a base station controllermonitoring multiple base stations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating de-allocation of one or morewireless channels from a second wireless base station and allocation ofthe de-allocated one or more wireless channels to a first wireless basestation according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating de-allocation of wirelesschannels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating re-allocation of wirelesschannels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating change in availability ofwireless channels and de-allocation according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating a current allocation ofwireless channels according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating example computer architecture(hardware) to execute operations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating a method according toembodiments herein.

FIGS. 12 and 13 combine to illustrate an example method according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to embodiments herein, a base station controller monitors useof multiple wireless channels amongst multiple wireless base stationsoperating in a wireless network environment; the multiple wireless basestations including a first wireless base station and a second wirelessbase station. In response to detecting under allocation of wirelesschannels between the first wireless base station and a first group ofcommunication devices, the base station control allocates a supplementalwireless channel to the first wireless base station. In one embodiment,the base station controller de-allocates a wireless channel from thesecond wireless base station and allocates the de-allocated wirelesschannel as the supplemental wireless channel. The base stationcontroller then transmits a channel allocation communication to thefirst wireless base station; the channel allocation communicationindicates an identity of the supplemental wireless channel allocated foruse by the first wireless base station. These and further embodimentsare discussed below.

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating anetwork environment according to embodiments herein.

As shown, network environment 100 (such as a wireless network) includesbase station controller 140 and multiple wireless base stations 120(namely, wireless base station 120-1, wireless base station 120-2,wireless base station 120-3, etc.).

As shown, each of the wireless base stations 120 resides in geographicalregion 101. In one embodiment, each of the wireless base stations 120-1,120-2, and 120-3 can be configured to provide fully or partiallyoverlapping wireless coverage to respective sets of communicationdevices 121, 122, and 123.

In other words, in one embodiment, wireless base station access point120-1 can support wireless communications with any of communicationdevices 121, 122, 123 because such devices are within wireless range ofwireless base station 120-1; wireless base station 120-2 can supportwireless communications with any of communication devices 121, 122, 123because such devices are within wireless range of wireless base station120-2; wireless base station 120-3 can support wireless communicationswith any of communication devices 123, 122, 123 because such devices arewithin wireless range of wireless base station 120-3; etc.

The wireless base stations 120 support wireless communications inaccordance with any suitable wireless protocol.

In one embodiment, the aggregation of wireless base stations 120 in thegeographical region 101 is a so-called small cell cluster of wirelessbase stations. As further described herein, the wireless base stations120 share use of the same band of wireless spectrum.

By way of non-limiting example embodiment, each of the wireless basestations 120 (a.k.a., long or short range cellular base stations)supports wireless communications in accordance with any of one or morewireless protocols including, for example, any of LTE (Long TermEvolution) standards, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division MultipleAccess), etc.

In one embodiment, the wireless base stations 120 are allocated wirelesschannels available from a multi-tier radio band such as the CBRS band.However, note that the base station controller 140 can be configured toallocate wireless channels from any suitable wireless spectrum.

Note that the multi-tier band or multi-tier spectrum (such as between3.55 and 3.70 MHz or other suitable band) allocated from base stationcontroller 140 for use by the wireless base stations 120 can be splitinto multiple channels (such as 10 MHz channels, 20 MHz channels, etc.).

The wireless base stations 120 share use of the same one or moreavailable allocated channels in the shared band t(multi-tier spectrum inwhich different users in the multi-tier spectrum have different assignedpriority levels). Via allocated one or more channels, the wireless basestations provide wireless connectivity to respective mobilecommunication devices (such as phones, computer devices, etc.).Accordingly, the wireless base stations 120 share use of one or moreavailable wireless channels available in a shared wireless multi-tierspectrum.

In one embodiment, as further discussed below, the base stationcontroller 140 monitors respective bandwidth/traffic/device loadsassociated with each of multiple wireless base stations in networkenvironment 100. Based on availability of channels as indicated byspectrum controller 135 (of spectral access system 130), the basestation controller 140 dynamically allocates new channels orde-allocates/re-allocates channels amongst the wireless base stations120 to accommodate changes in bandwidth needs.

In accordance with further embodiments, each of the wireless basestations 120 provides wireless coverage in a so-called small cell regionwithin geographical region 101. As mentioned, the wireless coverageprovided by each wireless base station can be fully overlapping orpartially overlapping with respect to each other. For example, aspreviously discussed, any of one or more of the wireless base stations120 can be configured to provide wireless coverage in the wholegeographical region 101, a less-than-all portion of the geographicalregion 101, etc.

For example, in one non-limiting example embodiment, the channelsallocated for use by the multiple wireless base stations (andpotentially other entities) resides in the wireless spectrum such asbetween 3.550 MHz and 3.700 MHz band. Spectrum controller 135 of thespectrum access system 130 determines which channels in the multi-tierspectrum are available for allocation by the base station controller 140at any given time.

The CBRS band is shared by multiple users including shared by governmentusers (high priority users such as the military or government), licensedusers (such as mid priority users that pay a fee to use wirelesschannels), and non-licensed users (low priority users that use a generalauthorized access tier).

In this example embodiment, the non-licensed users (general authorizedaccess users, general public) are afforded lowest priority is notifiedwhen to discontinue using any or all of a portion of the band duringinstances in which channels in the band are needed for alternativepurposes by higher priority entities.

As further shown, during operation, each of the wireless base stations120 supports wireless communications with one or more correspondingcommunication devices using one or more allocated channels.

In one embodiment, the wireless base stations 120 provide respectiveusers operating communication devices 121, 122, 123, etc., accessthrough network 190 to a remote network such as the Internet or othercommunication devices.

As more specifically shown in FIG. 1, wireless base station 120-1 is inwireless communication with communication devices 121 via one or moreallocated wireless channels; wireless base station 120-2 is in wirelesscommunication with communication devices 122 via one or more allocatedwireless channels; wireless base station 120-3 is in wirelesscommunication with communication devices 123 via one or more allocatedwireless channels; and so on.

In accordance with further embodiments, the spectrum controller 135 ofspectral access system 130 produces channel availability information 170associated with geographical region 101. Channel availabilityinformation 170 indicates which portions of the wireless spectrum (suchas channels in the CBRS band) are currently available for currentallocation.

Spectral access system 130 receives input 105 (such as from any suitableresource) indicating whether or not a respective high priority incumbentresource needs to use a portion of the shared wireless spectrum. Basedon the received input 105, the bandwidth allocation management resource160 dynamically updates the channel availability information 170 toaccommodate the different users that may be using the wireless channels.An example illustrating how availability of different channels changesover time is shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating generation of dynamic channelallocation information indicating allocation of bandwidth at differenttiers according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, spectral access system 130 keeps track, at anygiven time, which channels or portions of the multi-tier wirelessspectrum or multi-tier radio band (such as CBRS band) are available ingeographical region 101. If government use (a so-called incumbent user)is detected via input 105 (FIG. 1), certain channels are no longeravailable for use as shown in the content access information 170-1 and170-2 as shown in FIG. 2.

In this example, the channel availability information 170-1 (an instanceof content access information 170) indicates that prior to time T5,channels 7-15 are available to the general authorized access users(general public or low priority users) for use; channels 1-6 areavailable for use by licensee #1.

As further shown, at or around time T5, assume that the spectral accesssystem 130 receives input 105 indicating use of a portion (channels7-12) of the spectrum by an incumbent user such as the government. Insuch an instance, the spectral access system 130 updates the channelavailability information such that the channel allocation information170-2 indicates that only channels 13-15 are allocated as beingavailable to the general authorized access users; channels 7-12 areassigned for use by an incumbent entity requesting use or actually usingthe channels; wireless channels 1-6 are allocated for use by a firstlicensee. Thus, after time T5, the wireless channels 7-12 are no longeravailable for use by the low priority users (i.e., general authorizedaccess users).

This illustrates the dynamic availability of different wireless channelsbandwidth 210 as shared in network environment 100. If base stationcontroller 140 allocates use of any channels 7-15 to any of basestations 120, then the base station controller 140 must de-allocate useof such wireless channels during conditions in which a higher priorityso-called incumbent user takes over use of wireless channels 7-12.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating general operations of managingwireless channels according to embodiments herein.

As shown in flowchart 300, in processing operation 310, the base stationcontroller 140 performs load and performance analysis with respect toeach wireless base station 120.

At decision-processing operation 320, the base station controller 140checks whether any of the wireless base stations 120 experiencescommunication performance issues (such as inability to convey databetween itself and corresponding communication devices). If not, thebase station controller 140 loops back to execution of processingoperation 310.

If the base station controller 140 detects a wireless base stationexperiencing congestion due to a heavy load of traffic to correspondingcommunication devices, the base station controller 140 executesdecision-processing operation 330.

In decision-processing operation 330, the base station controller 140checks with the spectrum controller 135 of spectral access system 130whether or not additional spectrum is available for allocation in thegeographical region 101. If so, the base station controller 140 executesallocation-processing operation 350 in which the wireless base stationcontroller 140 allocates additional available spectrum to the wirelessbase station experiencing congestion. If not, in processing operation340, the base station controller 140 de-allocates one or more channelsof spectrum assigned to one of the wireless base stations (such as awireless base station that is least loaded or least congested in termsof conveying data traffic) in the geographical region 101. The basestation controller 140 allocates this newly de-allocated (one or morewireless channels) to the wireless base station experiencing congestion(communication performance issues).

Subsequent to the execution of processing operation 350, the basestation controller 140 continues operational flow by executingprocessing operation 310 again.

Execution of operations in flowchart 300 ensures that wireless channelsare properly assigned to accommodate different bandwidth needs amongstthe wireless base stations 120.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating monitoring of multiple basestations according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the base station controller 140 is incommunication with a spectrum controller 135 of a so-called SpectrumAccess System (SAS) that manages use of the multi-tier band in wirelessnetwork environment 100. In one embodiment, the spectrum controller 135is an advanced radio spectrum coordinator configured to protect thedifferent tiers of users in a shared, multi-tier spectrum such as CBRSband.

As previously discussed, the spectrum controller 135 dynamicallycontrols which of the one or more channels in the multi-tier band areavailable at any particular time for use by the wireless base stations.In other words, as previously discussed, an incumbent user may be newlyassigned use of certain channels in the multi-tier band. This results inde-allocation of those channels from being used in the networkenvironment by the general public.

As further shown, in one embodiment, the wireless base stationcontroller 140 monitors performance of multiple wireless base stationsoperating in a wireless network environment 100.

In this example, assume that the wireless base station 120-1 has beenassigned channel #1 (CH #1) and channel #2 CH #2) to communicate withrespective set of communication devices 121 (which includescommunication device 121-1, communication device 121-2, communicationdevice 121-3, communication device 121-4, etc.).

Assume that the wireless base station 120-2 has been assigned channel #3(CH #3), channel #4 (CH #4), channel #5 (CH #5), and channel #7 (CH #7)to communicate with respective set of communication devices 122 (whichincludes communication device 122-1, communication device 122-2, etc.).

Assume that the wireless base station 120-3 has been assigned channel #6(CH #6) and channel #8 (CH #8) to communicate with respective set ofcommunication devices 123 (which includes communication device 123-1,communication device 122-3, etc.).

In one embodiment, the base station controller 140 (occasionally,periodically, etc.) receives feedback from the corresponding wirelessbase stations. The feedback indicates whether or not the correspondingwireless base station is assigned an appropriate number of wirelesschannels to handle current data traffic between the respective basestation in the corresponding communication devices.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the base station controller 140receives feedback 411 (such as from the first wireless base station120-1). Assume that the first feedback 411 indicates performance of thefirst wireless base station 120-1 and the degree to which the firstwireless base station 120-1 is able to support first communications withthe first group of communication devices 121. Note that the receivedfeedback 411 can be any suitable type of information. For example, thereceived feedback can be or include information such as one or moremetrics indicating whether the currently assigned wireless channels #1and #2 are sufficient to convey data between the wireless base station120-1 and corresponding communication devices 121.

The base station controller receives second feedback 412 (such as fromthe second wireless base station 120-2); the second feedback 412indicates performance of the second wireless base station 120-2 and adegree to which the second wireless base station 120-2 is able tosupport second communications with the second group of communicationdevices 122. The received feedback 412 can be or include informationsuch as one or more metrics indicating whether the currently assignedwireless channels #3, #4, #5, and #7 are sufficient to convey databetween the wireless base station 120-2 and corresponding communicationdevices 122.

The base station controller receives feedback 413 (such as from thethird wireless base station 120-3); the feedback 413 indicatesperformance of the wireless base station 120-3 and a degree to which thewireless base station 120-3 is able to support communications with thethird group of communication devices 123. The received feedback 413 canbe or include information such as one or more metrics indicating whetherthe currently assigned wireless channels #6 and #8 are sufficient toconvey data between the wireless base station 120-3 and correspondingcommunication devices 123.

Note again that the data included in the feedback from the wireless basestations 120 can be any suitable information or parameters (such asnumber of devices being provided connectivity, bandwidth needed towirelessly communicate with respective devices, a degree of congestion,a current load of a respective base station, etc.) indicating whether arespective base station needs to be assigned additional one or morewireless channels.

The base station controller 140 analyzes the received feedback receivedfrom the multiple wireless base stations 120.

Assume that the feedback 413 indicates that wireless base station 120-3is properly assigned channel #6 and channel #8.

Assume in this example embodiment that based on the first feedback 411,the base station controller 140 identifies that the first wireless basestation 120-1 is currently not allocated a sufficient number of wirelesschannels (wireless base station 120-1 is only assigned channel #1 andchannel #2) to support wireless communications between the firstwireless base station 120-1 and the first group of communication devices121 (100 devices).

Based on the second feedback 412, and current allocation of wirelesschannels (i.e., channel #3, channel #4, channel #5, and channel #7) tothe second wireless base station 120-2, assume that the base stationcontroller 140 detects over allocation of wireless channels to thesecond wireless base station 120-2. In other words, the second wirelessbase station 120-1 is assigned too many wireless channels for itscurrent load of 50 devices.

Based on this received feedback, the base station controller 140determines that it needs to de-allocate one or more wireless channelsfrom the second base station 120-2 (because wireless base station 120-2is assigned too many channels) and allocate them to wireless basestation 120-1.

Note that de-allocation of the respective channel from the secondwireless base station 120-2 may be contingent upon the base stationcontroller 140 detecting that a set of remaining allocated one or morewireless channels still assigned to the second wireless base station aresufficient to support communications with a second group ofcommunication devices above a performance threshold. In other words, thebase station controller 140 detects that wireless base station 120-2will be able to provide continued wireless service to its respectivevacation devices 122 if it were only assigned channel #3 in channel #4.Thus, de-allocation of one or more channels such as wireless channel #5and #7 from the second wireless base station 120-2 may not have anyeffect on the ability of the second wireless base station 120-2 tocontinue to communicate with the respective second wireless group ofcommunication devices 122.

Note that, in accordance with further embodiments, de-allocation by thebase station controller 140 may also be contingent upon the base stationcontroller 140 detecting that no alternative wireless channels areavailable (free and not used by any wireless base station) to allocateto the first wireless base station 120-1. In this example embodiment,channel availability information 430 (list of channels available for useby the wireless base stations) indicates that all available wirelesschannels are allocated for use by the wireless base stations. This meansthat the base station controller 140 must de-allocate one or morechannels from wireless base station 120-2 for allocation to wirelessbase station 120-1 to accommodate its heavy load of 100 devices.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating de-allocation of one or morewireless channels from a second wireless base station and allocation ofthe de-allocated one or more wireless channels to a first wireless basestation according to embodiments herein.

In furtherance of the above example, in response to detecting the overallocation of wireless channels to the wireless base station 120-2, thebase station controller 140 transmits communication 522 to the basestation 120-2. The communication 522 indicates that the wireless channel#5 and #7 are being de-allocated from further use by the wireless basestation 120-2.

In response to detecting the under allocation of channels between thewireless base station 120-1 and a first group of communication devices121 (as indicated by the feedback 411), the base station controller 140assigns one or more supplemental wireless channels (such as thede-allocated wireless channels channel #5 and #7 previously de-allocatedfrom the second wireless base station) to the wireless base station120-1.

To allocate the channels #5 and #7 to the wireless base station 120-1,the base station controller 140 transmits a channel allocationcommunication 521 to the first wireless base station 120-1 indicating anidentity of supplemental wireless channels #5 and #7 that are newlyassigned for use by the wireless base station 120-1 to accommodate thehigh bandwidth needs of the first wireless base station 120-1 in networkenvironment 100.

In one embodiment, the base station controller 140 can be configured tocommunicate with the spectral controller 135 to determine whether or notthe de-allocation and subsequent reallocation of wireless channels ispermissible.

In this example embodiment, subsequent to de-allocation andreallocation, wireless base station 120-1 is assigned and allocatedwireless channel #1, #2, #5, #7 to accommodate its heavy load of 100devices. Wireless base station 120-2 is assigned and allocated continueduse of channel #3 and #4 to accommodate its load of 50 devices. Wirelessbase station 120-3 is assigned an allocated continued use of channel #6and channel #8 to accommodate its load of 60 devices.

Accordingly, instead of requiring handoffs of a portion of communicationdevices 121 and corresponding wireless communication links from thewireless base station 120-1 to the wireless base station 120-2,embodiments herein include de-allocation of one or more channels from alightly loaded wireless base station and then reassignment/reallocationof those one or more de-allocated wireless channels to a more heavilyloaded wireless base station.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating de-allocation of wirelesschannels according to embodiments herein.

Note that further embodiments herein can include proactivelyde-allocating one or more wireless channels from a respective wirelessbase station in the event that they are no longer needed for use by thatbase station.

As an example, assume that the base station controller 140 receivesfeedback 611 indicating that wireless base station 120-1 requires fewerwireless channels to support the current mode of communication devices121 (such as a drop to 50 devices, down from 100 devices as in FIG. 5).In such an instance, the base station controller 140 generatescommunication 621 to the wireless base station 120-1. The communication621 indicates the de-allocation of channel #5 and #7 from further use bythe wireless base station 120-1. In response to receiving thecommunication 621, the wireless base station 120-1 uses only channel #1and #2 to communicate with the corresponding communication devices 121.

As further shown, the base station controller 140 updates its channelavailability information 430-3 to indicate that a wireless channel #5and #7 are not allocated to any wireless base station in networkenvironment 100.

In a similar manner, the base station controller 140 receives feedback612 from wireless base station 120-2. Because the wireless channels #3and #4 are needed to provide continued wireless connectivity betweenwireless base station 120-2 and corresponding communication devices 122,the base station controller 140 makes no changes to the allocation ofchannel #3 and #4 to the wireless base station 120-2. In one embodiment,the base station controller 140 transmits communication 622 to thewireless base station 120-2. The communication 622 indicates (to thewireless base station 120-2) that there is no change to allocation ofwireless channels #3 and #4 to the wireless base station.

Yet further, the base station controller 140 receives feedback 613 fromwireless base station 120-3. Because the wireless channels #6 and #8 areneeded to provide continued wireless connectivity between wireless basestation 120-3 and corresponding communication devices 123, the basestation controller 140 makes no changes to the allocation of channel #6and #8 to the wireless base station 120-3. In one embodiment, the basestation controller 140 transmits communication 623 to the wireless basestation 120-3. The communication 623 indicates (to the wireless basestation 120-3) that there is no change to allocation of wirelesschannels #6 and #8 to the wireless base station.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating re-allocation of wirelesschannels on an as needed basis according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, the device load carried by each the basestations 120 can dynamically change over time. With respect to the loadas indicated in FIG. 6, base station 120-1 supports 40 communicationdevices 121 as shown in FIG. 7. However, at time T4 in FIG. 7, basestation 120-2 now supports 80 devices instead of 60 devices; basestation 120-3 supports 95 devices instead of 60 devices.

In one embodiment, the base station controller 140 receives notificationof changes to current load conditions via respective feedback. Forexample, via feedback 711, the base station controller 140 detects thatthe wireless base station 120-1 is allocated a proper number of wirelesschannels to accommodate the corresponding communication devices 121 (40devices). In response to receiving feedback 711, the base stationcontroller 140 transmits communications 721 to the wireless base station120-1. The communication 721 indicates that there is no change toallocation or assignment of wireless channels to wireless base station120-1. Accordingly, wireless base station 120-1 continues to usewireless channel #1 and #2 to support wireless connectivity with thecommunication devices 121.

Via feedback 712, the base station controller 140 detects that thewireless base station 120-2 is initially allocated too few wirelesschannels (initially channel #3 and #4) to accommodate the correspondingcommunication devices 122 (total of 80 devices). In response toreceiving feedback 712, and detecting that currently assigned channel #3and #4 are insufficient to support the current load of 80 devices, thebase station controller 140 performs a reallocation and transmitscommunications 722 to the wireless base station 120-2. The communication722 indicates that additional channel #7 has been newly assigned andallocated to wireless base station 120-2 for communicating with theheavy load of 80 communication devices 122. Subsequent to allocation,the wireless base station 120-2 uses the wireless channels #3, #4, and#7 to support wireless connectivity between the wireless base station120-2 and the communication devices 122.

Via feedback 713, the base station controller 140 detects that thewireless base station 120-3 is initially allocated too few wirelesschannels (initially channel #6 and #8) to accommodate the correspondingcommunication devices 123 (total of 95 devices). In response toreceiving feedback 713, and detecting that channel #6 and #8 areinsufficient to support the current load of 95 devices, the base stationcontroller 140 performs a reallocation and transmits communications 723to the wireless base station 120-3. The communication 723 indicates thatadditional channel #5 has been assigned and allocated to wireless basestation 120-3 for communicating with the heavy load of 95 communicationdevices 123. Subsequent to allocation, the wireless base station 120-3uses the wireless channels #5, #6, and #8 to support wirelessconnectivity between the wireless base station 120-3 and thecommunication devices 123.

To keep track of channel allocation, the base station controller 140updates its channel availability information 430-4 to indicate thatwireless channels #5 and #7 are now allocated to wireless base stations.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating change in availability ofwireless channels according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, the base station controller 140 receives notificationof changes to current channel availability based on feedback from thespectral access system 130. For example, assume that the spectrumcontroller 135 receives input 105 indicating that an incumbent userhaving a highest assigned priority in the multi-tier spectrum is nowusing or plans to use channels #7 and #8 of the multi-tier band. In suchan instance, channel #7 and channel #8 are no longer available for useby wireless base stations 120.

Base station controller 140 receives communication 805 from spectrumcontroller 135. In the communication 805 indicates that the channel #7and channel #8 in the multi-tier band are no longer available for use bythe wireless base stations 120 due to intended or actual use of thechannels by the incumbent user (which occurs at around time T5). In suchan instance, the base station controller 140 generates and transmitscommunication 822 to the wireless base station 120-2. The communication822 indicates that channel #8 has been de-allocated from further use bythe wireless space station 120-2. Accordingly, wireless base station120-2 continues to support communications with the correspondingcommunication devices 122 using only channels #3 and #4.

Additionally, in response to receiving communication 805 indicating thatchannel #7 and channel #8 are no longer available for use, the basestation controller 140 generates and transmits communication 823 to thewireless base station 120-3. The communication 823 indicates thatchannel #7 has been de-allocated from further use by the wireless basestation 120-3. Accordingly, wireless base station 120-3 continues tosupport communications with the corresponding communication devices 123using only channels #5 and #6.

To keep track of channel allocation, the base station controller 140updates its channel availability information 430-5 to indicate thatwireless channels #7 and #8 are now unavailable for use and thatchannels #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 are all allocated for use bywireless base station 120.

In such an instance, subsequent to allocating channel #7 and channel #8,assume that the wireless base stations 120 carry different loads. Forexample, wireless base station 120-1 supports communications with 40communication devices 121; wireless base station 120-2 supportscommunications with 80 communication devices 122; wireless base station120-3 supports communications with 85 communication devices 123.

In one embodiment, since no extra wireless channels are available tosupport an increased load conductive, if desired, and to more evenlydistribute the load of devices across the wireless base stations 120,the base station controller 140 initiates a handoff of 10 of thecommunication devices 122 from wireless base station 120-2 to wirelessbase station 120-1; base station controller 140 initiates a handoff of15 of the communication devices 123 from wireless base station 120-3 towireless base station 120-1. The result of the handoffs is shown in FIG.9.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating de-allocation of wirelesschannels due to change in wireless channel availability according toembodiments herein.

Subsequent to performing handoffs, as shown in FIG. 9, the wireless basestation 120-1 supports communications with 65 communication devices 121;wireless base station 120-2 supports communications with 70communication devices 122; and wireless base station 120-3 supportscommunications with 70 communication devices 123.

Accordingly, handoffs can be used to more evenly distribute a load ofcorresponding communication devices amongst multiple wireless basestations 120 in the event that one or more wireless channels becomeunavailable due to use by an incumbent (higher priority) user.

FIG. 10 is an example block diagram of a computer system forimplementing any of the operations as discussed herein according toembodiments herein.

Any of the resources (such as spectrum controller 135, base stationcontroller 140, wireless base stations 120, mobile communication devices121, 122, 123, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to include aprocessor (hardware) and executable instructions to carry out thedifferent operations as discussed herein.

As shown, computer system 1050 (such as a respective server resource) ofthe present example includes an interconnect 1011 coupling computerreadable storage media 1012 such as a non-transitory type of media (suchas hardware storage medium) in which digital information can be storedand retrieved, a processor 1013 (hardware), I/O interface 1014, and acommunications interface 1017. I/O interface 1014 supports connectivityto repository 1080 and input resource 1092.

Computer readable storage medium 1012 can be any suitable type ofhardware storage device such as memory, optical storage, hard drive,floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storagemedium 1012 (hardware such as one or more devices) stores instructionsand/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media 1012 can be encoded with basestation controller application 140-1 (e.g., including instructions) tocarry out any of the operations as discussed herein associated with basestation controller 140.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 1013 accesses computerreadable storage media 1012 via the use of interconnect 1011 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions inbase station controller application 140-1 stored on computer readablestorage medium 1012. Execution of the base station controllerapplication 140-1 produces base station controller process 140-2, whichcarries out any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 1050can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to base station controller application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system maybe or included in any of various types of devices, including, but notlimited to, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wirelessdevice, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook,netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer,workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, aconsumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box,mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, aperipheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box, contentmanagement device, handheld remote control device, any type of computingor electronic device, etc. Note that the computer system 1050 may resideat any location or can be included in any suitable resource in anynetwork environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIGS. 11-13. Note that the steps in the flowchartsbelow can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1110, the base station controller 140 monitorsmultiple wireless base stations 120 operating in a wireless networkenvironment 100. The multiple wireless base stations 120 include a firstwireless base station 120-1 and a second wireless base station 120-2.

In processing operation 1120, in response to detecting under allocation(such as caused by communication congestion) of wireless channelsbetween the first wireless base station 120-1 and a first group ofcommunication devices 121, the base station controller 140 allocates asupplemental wireless channel to the first wireless base station 120-1.

In processing operation 1130, the base station controller 140 transmitsa channel allocation communication to the first wireless base station120-1, the channel allocation communication indicates an identity of thesupplemental wireless channel allocated for use by the first wirelessbase station 120-1.

FIGS. 12 and 13 is a flowchart 1200 (such as flowchart 1200-1 andflowchart 1200-2) illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1210, the base station controller 140 monitorsmultiple wireless base stations 120 operating in a wireless networkenvironment 100. The multiple wireless base stations 120 include a firstwireless base station 120-1 and a second wireless base station 120-2.

In processing sub-operation 1220, the base station controller 140receives first feedback 411 indicating performance of the first wirelessbase station 120-1 and its ability to support first communications withthe first group of communication devices 121 in the wireless networkenvironment 100.

In processing sub-operation 1230, the base station controller 140receives second feedback 412 indicating performance of the secondwireless base station 120-2 and its ability to support secondcommunications with a second group of communication devices 122 in thewireless network environment 100.

In processing operation 1240, based on the first feedback 411, the basestation controller 140 identifies that the first wireless base station120-1 is not allocated a sufficient number of wireless channels tosupport wireless communications (above a threshold performance level)between the first wireless base station 120-1 and the first group ofcommunication devices 121.

In processing operation 1310 in flowchart 1200-2 of FIG. 13, based onthe second feedback 412, the base station controller 140 detects overallocation of wireless channels to the second wireless base stationcontroller 120-2. In other words, wireless base station has morewireless channels assigned to it than is needed to provide wirelesscommunications above a performance threshold level.

In processing operation 1320, via a channel de-allocation communicationto the second wireless base station 120-2, the base station controller140 allocates a wireless channel currently assigned for use by thesecond wireless base station 120-2.

In processing operation 1330, in response to detecting the underallocation (as indicated by the first feedback 411) of channels betweenthe first wireless base station 120-1 and a first group of communicationdevices 121 in wireless communication with the first wireless basestation 120-1, the base station controller 140 assigns a supplementalwireless channel (such as the de-allocated wireless channel previouslyallocated to the second wireless base station) to the first wirelessbase station 120-1.

In processing operation 1340, the base station controller 140 transmitsa channel allocation communication to the first wireless base station120-1. The channel allocation communication indicates an identity of thesupplemental wireless channel newly assigned for use by the firstwireless base station 120-1.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to supportallocation/de-allocation of wireless channels in wireless networkenvironment. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are notlimited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussedherein are well suited for other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A method comprising: monitoring multiple wireless basestations operating in a wireless network environment, the multiplewireless base stations including a first wireless base station and asecond wireless base station; in response to detecting under allocationof wireless channels to support wireless communications between thefirst wireless base station and a first group of communication devices,allocating a supplemental wireless channel to the first wireless basestation; and transmitting a communication to the first wireless basestation, the communication indicating an identity of the supplementalwireless channel allocated for use by the first wireless base station.2. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: de-allocating a wirelesschannel from the second wireless base station; and assigning thede-allocated wireless channel as the supplemental wireless channelallocated to the first wireless base station.
 3. The method as in claim1, wherein monitoring the multiple wireless base stations in thewireless network environment includes: receiving first feedback, thefirst feedback received from the first wireless base station, the firstfeedback indicating performance of the first wireless base station tosupport first communications with the first group of communicationdevices in the wireless network environment; and receiving secondfeedback, the second feedback received from the second wireless basestation, the second feedback indicating performance of the secondwireless base station to support second communications with a secondgroup of communication devices in the wireless network environment. 4.The method as in claim 1 further comprising: detecting over allocationof wireless channels to the second wireless base station; deallocating awireless channel currently assigned for use by the second wireless basestation; and assigning the deallocated wireless channel as thesupplemental wireless channel for use by the first wireless basestation.
 5. The method as in claim 4 further comprising: de-allocatingthe wireless channel from the second wireless base station in responseto detecting that a remaining set of wireless channels assigned to thesecond wireless base station are sufficient to support communicationswith a second group of communication devices above a performancethreshold.
 6. The method as in claim 4 further comprising: de-allocatingthe wireless channel from the second wireless base station in responseto detecting that no alternative wireless channels are available toallocate to the first wireless base station.
 7. The method as in claim 1further comprising: prior to detecting the under allocation of wirelesschannels to support wireless communications between the first wirelessbase station and a first group of communication devices, allocating aset of wireless channels to the second wireless base station, the set ofwireless channels including the supplemental wireless channel.
 8. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless base station and thesecond wireless base station provide overlapping wireless coverage. 9.The method as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless base station andthe second wireless base station communicate with respectivecommunication devices via bandwidth available in a multi-tier wirelessband.
 10. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless basestation and the second wireless base station communicate with respectivecommunication devices via LTE (Long Term Evolution) communications. 11.A system comprising: a first wireless base station; a second wirelessbase station; a base station controller operable to monitor use ofmultiple wireless channels by multiple wireless base stations operatingin a wireless network environment, the multiple wireless base stationsincluding a first wireless base station and a second wireless basestation; in response to detecting under allocation of wireless channelsbetween the first wireless base station and a first group ofcommunication devices in wireless communication with the first wirelessbase station, assign a supplemental wireless channel to the firstwireless base station; and transmit a communication to the firstwireless base station, the communication indicating an identity of thesupplemental wireless channel assigned for use by the first wirelessbase station.
 12. The system as in claim 11, wherein the base stationcontroller is further operable to: de-allocate a wireless channel fromthe second wireless base station; and assign the de-allocated wirelesschannel as the supplemental wireless channel allocated to the firstwireless base station.
 13. The system as in claim 11, wherein the basestation controller is further operable to: receive first feedback, thefirst feedback received from the first wireless base station, the firstfeedback indicating performance of the first wireless base station tosupport first communications with the first group of communicationdevices in the wireless network environment; and receive secondfeedback, the second feedback received from the second wireless basestation, the second feedback indicating performance of the secondwireless base station to support second communications with a secondgroup of communication devices in the wireless network environment. 14.The system as in claim 11, wherein the base station controller isfurther operable to: de-allocate a wireless channel currently assignedfor use by the second wireless base station; and assign the de-allocatedwireless channel as the supplemental wireless channel for use by thefirst wireless base station.
 15. The system as in claim 14, wherein thebase station controller is further operable to: de-allocate the wirelesschannel from the second wireless base station in response to detectingthat a set of remaining allocated wireless channels assigned to thesecond wireless base station are sufficient to support communicationswith a second group of communication devices above a performancethreshold.
 16. The system as in claim 14, wherein the base stationcontroller is further operable to: de-allocate the wireless channel fromthe second wireless base station in response to detecting that noalternative wireless channels are available to allocate to the firstwireless base station.
 17. The system as in claim 11, wherein the basestation controller is further operable to: prior to detecting thecongestion, allocate a set of wireless channels to the second wirelessbase station, the set of wireless channels including the supplementalwireless channel.
 18. The system as in claim 11, wherein the firstwireless base station and the second wireless base station provideoverlapping wireless coverage.
 19. The system as in claim 11, whereinthe first wireless base station and the second wireless base stationcommunicate with respective communication devices via bandwidthavailable in a multi-tier radio band.
 20. The system as in claim 19,wherein the first wireless base station and the second wireless basestation communicate with respective communication devices via LTE (LongTerm Evolution) communications.
 21. Computer-readable storage hardwarehaving instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when carried outby computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardwareto: monitor use of multiple wireless channels by multiple wireless basestations operating in a wireless network environment, the multiplewireless base stations including a first wireless base station and asecond wireless base station; in response to detecting congestion ofcommunications between the first wireless base station and a first groupof communication devices in wireless communication with the firstwireless base station, assign a supplemental wireless channel to thefirst wireless base station; and transmit a communication to the firstwireless base station, the communication indicating an identity of thesupplemental wireless channel